New Moons are times of new beginnings, planting new seeds and setting intentions. This New Moon has the Sun, Moon and Venus conjunct in Taurus which reconnects us with the earth on physical (Sun) and emotional (Moon)levels. This New Moon can nourish us through honoring our bodily instincts, touching, feeling, holding or hugging.

There is also a grand trine in earth between Pluto in Capricorn, Saturn in Virgo and Venus in Taurus which seems to reaffirm the "green consciousness" in the media. Saturn in Virgo wants to clean up, Pluto in Capricorn wants us all to take greater responsibility with pollution and Venus in Taurus wants us to simply enjoy the healing that Mother nature has to offer. Taurus symbolizes issues with security, caretaking ,values , self worth and our attachment to the physical world such as property,land money or possessions. This is the best New Moon to engage in setting new financial goals and objectives. Long term financial planning or simply committing to a new budget and savings plan are favorable at this time.

 

This New Moon coincides shortly after Beltane (May 1st) sometimes referred to as cross-quater days. The Celtic people found the midpoints of fixed signs (Taurus,Leo,Scorpio,Aquarius) to be magical and called them the "gates of power". The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon reads: AN OLD TEACHER FAILS TO INTERESTS HIS PUPILS IN ANCIENT AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE. Keynote: The inadequacy of past knowledge in times of crisis. It is a symbol of creative frustration. From Zodical Symbology by Isidore Kozminsky Reads: A student with lamp in hand, standing at the entrance of a cavern. Denotes a person whose tastes and desires are directed to the hidden jewels and secrets which rest beneath the veil. Taurus is associated with frugality and ownership so before you go on a spending spree ask yourself do I really need it as Taurus can be excessive  or suffer from over-identification with the material. Cultivate conscious spending in your life. The first Full Moon in May is honored in Buddhist traditions as " Wesak Festivals" the second of three major spiritual festivals. The Wesak festival celebrates the birth and enlightment of Buddha. Both Wesak and Beltane are festivals of light, fire and illumination.

 

Neptune (Oil) North Node,Chiron (wounding) conjunct in Aquarius symbolizes the collective wound around surging prices in oil. Many suffer from the delusion that someday cheap oil/gas prices will return. This may sound shocking but they are already talking in next couple of years gasoline at $10.00 per gallon. We know that many European countries already pay between 8 and 10 dollars per gallon. Neptune also reinforces the idea that we cannot continue to use oil as in the past. Clearly, some sacrifices have to be made. Neptune goes retrograde on May 26th, wordily goals may seem less important while you nurture your soul through prayer, meditation and reflection. You become enriched by selfless service towards others. You must be the change you wish to see in the world.~ Gandhi .

 

Jupiter the planet of growth and wisdom goes retrograde on May 9th in Capricorn. Jupiter is called "Guru" or Teacher in Sanskrit, another reminder to look inward for guidance. Jupiter retrograde may reveal painful truths concerning our career or direction in life. Truth for Jupiter in Capricorn is always about the need to achieve, Yet Jupiter retrograde calls time out ! You need to dream it before you achieve it. Mars also enters Leo on the 9th so it's time to start roaring again especially in creative endeavors. Mercury turns retrograde on the 26th double check facts,details, especially with travel plans. Resist using new or untested methods of communication.Avoid phone installations,cable TV hookups and so on.

 

From April 2008 through February 2009 transiting Uranus (unexpected) square Mars (war,violence,aggression) in the chart for USA. Watch for sudden,violent, crisis events including possible military movement. Barack Obama will come under heavy attacks from May through July 2008. For Obama transiting Uranus is in direct opposition to his natal Mars. He needs to be extra careful and avoid any unnecessary risks during this time. Expect increasing violence, power struggles in Iraq during the Uranus/Mars cycle. The only "surge" that seems to be working now is the surge in violence. The DNC will hold it's National Convention in Denver from August 25-27 during a void of course Moon. Every Presidential candidate that was nominated during the void of course Moon lost the general election. Jimmy Carter 1980, Al Gore 2000, John Kerry 2004 are a few examples. I think the DNC needs to hire a good astrologer, eh ? (lol)

 

Uranus opposes the US Neptune on June 2, this significant influence is active through May as well. Uranus brings trouble to America's Neptunian themes such as oil, stock market, religious or political scandals. Mercury turns retrograde on the 26 and squares US Neptune. Once again reaffirms lots of misinformation out there. Don't believe half of what you hear. Chiron (wounded healer) turn retrograde on the 25 conjunct Neptune in Aquarius.

Be compassionate with yourself in spite of your imperfections. Jupiter sextiles Uranus and both make challenging aspects to Ceres, the asteroid Goddess of the Grains.Expect issues with world hunger continue to make the news as the prices of wheat, rice and corn continue to skyrocket. Let us all give thanks and gratitude to the Goddess for all the abundance (Taurus) in our lives.